After creating search questions, defining keywords, picking out the best search engine, and sorting through a list of sites you think will provide you with the necessary information, it is time to begin evaluating each source by a standard checklist.
The ability to evaluate and think critically about the information in front of us is one of the most important skills today. It is not knowing a specific content, but knowing a particular skill/performance standard. And, this skill will always be a necessary skill. Each day, we are forced to think critically about the world around us, whether it's deciding to buy a particular pair of shoes, find a plumber, or do research for a class.
It is important to have a mental evaluation checklist. In the beginning, students may need a cheat sheet, but the criteria chart should become second nature.
UC Berkeley has a wealth of great information on Web/source evaluation. Though they fit secondary students, the information is sound and can be adapted to fit younger audiences.
This page from UC Berkeley contains the how-tos of Web evaluation.
Johns Hopkins University also has a Library Guide on the criteria to consider when evaluating a Web source.
And, UC Berkeley has another page dedicated to an evaluation checklist that can be distributed to students.
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to show a Web evaluation checklist to your elementary students, this peag has some great resources.
The ALSC has a page on the ABC's of Website evaluation that may also be adapted for elementary students.
The common thread is incorporating criteria for Website evaluation. It should be a critical step included in all disciplines. And, it is a performance standard tested on all state tests. So, why not apply it to a world students face each day?
The ability to evaluate and think critically about the information in front of us is one of the most important skills today. It is not knowing a specific content, but knowing a particular skill/performance standard. And, this skill will always be a necessary skill. Each day, we are forced to think critically about the world around us, whether it's deciding to buy a particular pair of shoes, find a plumber, or do research for a class.
It is important to have a mental evaluation checklist. In the beginning, students may need a cheat sheet, but the criteria chart should become second nature.
UC Berkeley has a wealth of great information on Web/source evaluation. Though they fit secondary students, the information is sound and can be adapted to fit younger audiences.
This page from UC Berkeley contains the how-tos of Web evaluation.
Johns Hopkins University also has a Library Guide on the criteria to consider when evaluating a Web source.
And, UC Berkeley has another page dedicated to an evaluation checklist that can be distributed to students.
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to show a Web evaluation checklist to your elementary students, this peag has some great resources.
The ALSC has a page on the ABC's of Website evaluation that may also be adapted for elementary students.
The common thread is incorporating criteria for Website evaluation. It should be a critical step included in all disciplines. And, it is a performance standard tested on all state tests. So, why not apply it to a world students face each day?
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